"Chris Barnes, the district's energy manager, and Sprunt Hill, assistant superintendent of auxiliary services, have helped improve energy performance by managing energy strategically across the district and making cost-effective improvements to schools," said Dr. Steven Taylor, superintendent.

Commercial buildings that earn the rating use an average of 40 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Products and buildings that have earned the designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government.